Cambodia, Khmer, Bayon style, late 12th/early 13th centuryThe mane arranged in a mass of thick curls across his chest and on the back of the head, scrolling foliage framing his face, his mouth open wide as if grinning with teeth bared, his bulging eyes double outlined by stylized eyebrows, and wearing a foliate collar around his neck.29 1/2 in. (74.9 cm) high

Footnotes

As noted by Sherman Lee (Ancient Cambodian Sculpture, New York, 1969, p. 110), although such statues were popular temple guardians throughout the Khmer empire, lions themselves were non-native to Cambodia. As a result, surviving examples show a powerful yet non-naturalistic figure and a fantastical mask-like face. These features, in turn, visually reinforce the present piece's protective function, while the collar renders its obedience to the religiopolitical institution it once guarded.

For a related example and further discussion see Hellen Ibbitson Jessup and Thierry Zephir (ed.), Millennium of Glory: Sculpture of Angkor and Ancient Cambodia, Washington, 1997, p. 81.

Provenance: R. Hatfield Ellsworth and James Goldie, New YorkSotheby's, New York, December 1, 1993, lot 136Raymond Handley, San FranciscoPrivate Collection, New York

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact customer services.

Buyers' Obligations

ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.

If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.

Buyers' Premium and Charges

Buyer's Premium Rates25% on the first $150,000 of the Hammer Price20% from $150,001 to $3,000,000 of the Hammer Price12% on the excess over $3,000,001 of the Hammer Price

Payment Notices

Payment for purchases may be made in or by (a) cash, (b) cashier's check or money order, (c) personal check with approved credit drawn on a U.S. bank, (d) wire transfer or other immediate bank transfer, or (e) Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover credit, charge or debit card. A processing fee will be assessed on any returned checks. Please note that the amount of cash notes and cash equivalents that can be accepted from a given purchaser may be limited.

Shipping Notices

For information and estimates on domestic and international shipping as well as export licences please contact Bonhams Shipping Department.